Start time: 16:00Place: Piazza San MarcoTraditional parade of masks and artists who, with drums and torches, ‘ignite’ Carnival in the city. All groups that are affiliated with Carnival will march in the parade, as well as delegates from other cities and artists who perform at the end of the parade.Partecipation costs: Free

Start time: 17:30Place: Gran Caffé Ristorante QuadriOrganizer:C.C.I.A toast to the new birth of the Carnival. After the masquerade Parade which traditionally opens the Carnival in San Marco Square, a first toast to the reborn Carnival in the hall of the elegant Caffé Quadri. The first meeting-point for everybody in costume to plan their future amusements. Dress Code: costumePartecipation costs: Euro 80

Start time: 17:30Place: Gran Caffè LavenaOrganizer:C.C.I.A toast to the new birth of the Carnival. After the masquerade Parade which traditionally opens the Carnival in San Marco Square, a first toast to the reborn Carnival in the hall of the elegant Caffé Quadri. The first meeting-point for everybody in costume to plan their future amusements. Dress Code: costumePartecipation costs: Euro 80

Start time: 20:30Place: Europa & Regina HotelOrganizer:C.C.I.Gala Dinner and Dance in the Luxury Hotel Europa & Regina, near San Marco. Here you can have a dreaming costume party set in the oriental style. As the noble travellers of the 18th and 19th Century you will be received by belly dancers, magicians, acrobats and our traditional warm welcome. You will enjoy the special dinner entertained by our artists and, after, the dances will start ’till late night in the erotic atmosphere of the far East. Dress Code: historical costumePartecipation costs: Euro 330

Start time: 20:30Place: Palazzo Nani-BernardoOrganizer:TragicomicaFaced on the Gran Canal , opposite to Palazzo Grassi and beside Ca’ Rezzonico , seat of the ‘700 Veneziano permanent Museum the historical Palazzo Nani Bernardo will be the grand location to open the Carnival of Venice with “Il Ballo di Casanova” .The wonderful frame of its Halls , decorated with epoch stuccos , the intimacy of its refined Salons will be the ideal choreography for the dinner , the Balls and the Entertainments between spectacular Masks and sumptuous Costumes to celebrate the magic and the burlesque tradition of Carnival in Venice .Partecipation costs: Euro 290

Start time: 20:30Place: Palazzo Pisani-MorettaOrganizer:Associazione Culturale Francesca di MonterealeSerenissima was the honorary title attributed to the Venetian Republic andfrom this the Serenissima Grand Ball derived its name. It is the mostillustrious official ball of the Carnival Season. It began as a private ballgiven by the Countess Francesca di Montereale-Mantica and was attended bythe finest of the italian aristocracy. It is the first ball of the CarnivalSeason, when Venice is at its most magical moment and the streets havent’been overrun with revellers.The Serenissima Grand Ball will be held in the celebrated Pisani-MorettaPalazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. Its receptions halls are covered withfrescoes by G.B.Tiepolo and on the occasion of the Ball will be illuminatedby candlelight. If the guests in costume and mask will be brought to theBall by gondola, there first impression of this magical evening will be thebeautiful lights reflecting on the water.. an aperitif will be served in themain entrance hall and then the guests will climb the grand staircase to thebanquet hall.a sumptuous Feast of traditional venetian delicacies includingwines, spumante and desserts will be served by candlelight. Afterwards therewill be dancing, and the Master of Ceremonies will instruct those who desirelo learn the traditional steps for the minuett. and who knows who you willencounter hiding behind a mask?Partecipation costs: Euro 258

Start time: 21:00Place: Palazzo Ca’ ZanardiOrganizer:Incentive Harmony di Nicolas & Jeanne-Bénédicte ArnitaBall of Serenissima. Dinner at the Doges Court . Historical spectacle celebration with the participation of the 7 Marie,the most beautiful elected young girls from all districts of Venice. Professional dancers will perform dances of the glorious period of the Doges Court. Program includes an elegant welcome cocktail, seated buffet dinner, musical enterteinement of Baroque Quartet & Soprano,performances of professional dancers and international artists to create the magic atmosphere of our Balls.Live Music Orchestra will entertain all night long.Partecipation costs: Euro 215